Best Lost Cause

The Mullanphy Emigrant Home

Built in 1867 to house the Mullanphy Traveller's Aid Fund, the Mullanphy Emigrant Home has played many roles during its 140-year history: schoolhouse, warehouse, motorcycle repair shop, cause célbre. The building's most recent turn came on April 2, 2006, when a fierce storm collapsed its south wall. The landmark's imminent demise prompted a small knot of historic preservationists to launch a campaign to try to save it. But on March 31 of this year, a second storm further damaged the building, sinking portions of the north and east walls. Still, the preservationists have, well, persevered. They now estimate that it will cost $350,000 to repair the walls. Fundraising efforts had raised $57,000 at last check. The good news: The west wall appears to be holding up. For now.